Design Director

AtkinsRéalis Major Projects inc.; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Design Director to oversee design quality management across diverse architectural projects in KSA. This pivotal role involves leading design delivery from concept through schematic design for residential, hospitality, commercial, and cultural projects. The ideal candidate will manage architectural and engineering consultants, ensuring innovation and design excellence while adhering to compliance and budget targets. With a focus on collaboration and stakeholder engagement, this position offers the opportunity to influence significant urban developments. If you are a seasoned professional with a strategic vision and a passion for design, this role is tailored for you.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience in architectural design and management.
• Expertise in managing international design teams and large-scale projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design quality management across various architectural projects.
• Lead design delivery from concept through schematic design.

Skills

Architectural Design

Project Management

Design Quality Management

Public Realm Design

Stakeholder Engagement

Negotiation Skills

Sustainable Design Principles

Creative Problem Solving

Education

Master's in Architecture

Bachelor's in Architecture

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Rhino

Adobe Suite

Grasshopper

V-Ray

Job description

AtkinsRéalis is looking for a Design Director in KSA.

The role involves overseeing design quality management across the Precinct level, based on city-level context and understanding. The Design Director will lead the design delivery from concept through schematic design for various architectural asset types, including residential, hospitality, commercial, retail, healthcare, education, and cultural projects. Responsibilities include:

1. Managing Neighborhood master planning, architectural, and engineering design consultants, with an understanding of Public Realm design.
2. Ensuring innovation and design excellence, and the quality of design and implementation of the Vision for The LINE.
3. Coordinating with other Design Directors across multiple neighborhoods.
4. Managing Critical Technical Interfaces in coordination with Creative Design Director and Design Management Director, including interfaces with City-level designers, Neighborhoods, and Anchor Assets.
5. Signing off on compliance with procedures, collaborating with Cost Consultants to meet budget targets, and managing design and asset brief compliance.
6. Ensuring delivery of design through NEOM Plan of Works and THE LINE Plans and Procedures.
7. Collaborating with THE LINE Development and Neighborhood teams for integrated delivery.
8. Serving as the primary point-of-contact for project leadership and escalation for Design Consultants.
9. Developing THE LINE architecture design and ensuring its implementation across modules.
10. Delivering THE LINE Design Management mandate, including stakeholder engagement.
11. Managing the design of various architectural typologies and supervising architectural content and context delivery.
12. Leading the review process for architectural design quality, providing analysis and recommendations.
13. Managing and overseeing Senior Architects, Architects, and Designers across departments.
14. Drafting comprehensive architectural sets from concept to detailed design, managing design asset briefs, and preparing specifications and reports.
15. Leading the development of design manuals, standard documents, and managing materials and FF&E schedules.
16. Understanding materiality, public realm design, technical detailing, and construction administration.
17. Solving design issues creatively and pragmatically, managing communication with consultants, contractors, and NEOM departments.
18. Producing deliverables adhering to NEOM standards and policies.
19. Possessing excellent conceptual, aesthetic, and technical skills, with fluency in English and negotiation abilities.
20. Demonstrating flexibility, relationship-building, and a commitment to innovation and excellence.
21. Having solid knowledge of products, materials, codes, construction methods, and sustainable design principles.
22. Exhibiting strong organizational, leadership, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
23. Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, Adobe Suite; Grasshopper and V-Ray are a plus.
24. Minimum 20+ years of postgraduate architectural design and management experience, including managing international design consultants and working in signature architecture studios.
25. Experience across various architectural types and large-scale projects, preferably with Middle East exposure.

This role requires a seasoned professional capable of leading complex projects with a strategic and innovative approach.